Real Sociedad’s president reveals ‘unfortunate’ Arsenal interest in Mikel Merino – as Spanish side omit wantaway star from their squad for LaLiga opener amid transfer links
- Club chairman Jokin Aperribay confirms Gunners approach for Merino
- Arsenal are believed to have tabled an improved £30million bid for the Spaniard
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Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has confirmed that Arsenal have made a bid for their influential midfielder Mikel Merino.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) by journalist Chris Wheatley, Aperribay has admitted that a deal for Merino may be in the works.
“Unfortunately, one of the teams we didn’t want to be there turned up,” said the Sociedad president, referring to the Gunners.
He added that the club would consider a sale in the shape of Merino, having previously been optimistic about the Spanish club’s chances of keeping their star player.
“If we like the offer, we will say yes,” Aperribay added.
Real Sociedad admit Arsenal made attempt to sign Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino
The LaLiga club’s president, Jokin Aperribay (left), revealed ‘unfortunate interest’ in their man
Merino was left out of Real Sociedad’s squad for the LaLiga season opener against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil had previously appealed for Merino’s absence: ‘I left Merino out of the squad because there are discussions going on with other clubs… and this is the best solution now.’
Aperribay has since confirmed that the player had an influence on the decision not to include him in the squad.
He said: ‘We know what Merino’s wishes are, so we decided not to call him. [to the squad].
Arsenal had an initial bid of £21.5million rejected, but it is expected that an improved offer of £30million will be enough to complete the transfer.
Sporting director Edu was in Spain to accelerate negotiations, as the Euro 2024 winning midfielder is open to a transfer.
Merino has one year left on his contract and played in all seven matches for Spain at the European Championship.
Merino came on in the closing stages of Spain’s 2-1 win over England in the final and helped Spain sit out the final minutes.
The 28-year-old made 45 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring eight goals for Real society.
If a deal is struck, Merino would be Arsenal’s second major signing for the squad this summer.
The Gunners have already signed Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori for £42million, while the loan move of David Raya from Brentford has also been made permanent.
Merino has experience in the Premier League, having played one season with Newcastle in the 2017-2018 season.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta hopes the offer will help him land his top summer midfield target
Arsenal’s sporting director Edu Gaspar has been in Spain to try and complete the transfer
He later became a key player at Real Sociedad under coach Imanol Alguacil and was part of the LaLiga squad for the 2022-2023 season.
In total he played 242 games for Erreala, including at least 40 games per season in the last three seasons.
The former Borussia Dortmund and Osasuna player scored 36 goals and provided 36 assists in his career.
